By DAYO ADESULU
Government Says Joint Intelligence Effort With Global Partners Led to Targeted Strike
The Federal Government has acknowledged that a foreign-assisted air operation was recently carried out within Nigeria’s territory, confirming that the action followed extensive intelligence collaboration between Nigeria and key international partners, including the United States.
The confirmation, issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes amid intense public debate and speculation over reports of an external military strike on Nigerian soil. Authorities clarified that the operation was directed at identified terrorist targets in the North-West, an area that has witnessed sustained violence linked to insurgent and extremist groups.
According to the government, the action was neither unilateral nor spontaneous. Instead, it formed part of a broader, structured counter-terrorism framework designed to confront evolving security threats that transcend national borders.
How Intelligence Cooperation Led to the Air Operation
In its official explanation, the Federal Government said Nigeria maintains active security partnerships with several countries to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and cross-border criminal networks. These partnerships involve intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and operational support, all conducted within the bounds of international law.
Officials explained that the recent air operation was based on verified intelligence pointing to specific terrorist locations, allowing for a precision strike intended to limit collateral damage while degrading militant capabilities.
The Ministry emphasized that such cooperation reflects modern counter-terrorism realities, where intelligence-driven responses are often more effective than isolated national efforts.
Sovereignty and Legal Framework Addressed
Amid concerns about national sovereignty, the government stressed that Nigeria did not cede control of its territory or security decisions. Instead, it acted within bilateral understandings and established diplomatic agreements that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and legal authority.
The statement noted that intelligence collaboration and operational assistance from foreign partners are common practices among nations facing transnational security threats. Nigeria, it said, continues to exercise full oversight of all security engagements within its borders.
Security experts say this clarification is critical, especially at a time when public trust hinges on transparency around sensitive military actions.
Civilian Safety at the Center of Operations
The Federal Government underscored that civilian protection remains the guiding principle of all counter-terrorism efforts. Officials reiterated that operations are carefully planned to avoid harm to non-combatants and civilian infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy prioritizes the safety, dignity, and rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” the ministry stated.
It added that attacks by terrorist groups—whether against Christian, Muslim, or other communities—represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s shared values and social cohesion.
Terrorism Framed as a Global Challenge
The government positioned the air operation within the broader context of global security cooperation, describing terrorism as a challenge that no single nation can tackle alone. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extremist networks rely on cross-border movement, financing, and logistics, making international coordination essential.
Nigeria, the statement said, continues to work with partners to disrupt funding channels, dismantle logistics networks, and prevent the spread of violent extremism across borders.
At the same time, authorities emphasized ongoing investments in Nigeria’s domestic security architecture, including intelligence capacity, surveillance, and counter-terrorism training.
Public Reactions and Calls for Transparency
News of the foreign-assisted strike has sparked mixed reactions nationwide. While some Nigerians see the development as a necessary step to weaken entrenched terrorist cells, others have called for greater disclosure about the scope and oversight of such operations.
Analysts say the government’s acknowledgment reflects an effort to balance public accountability with operational security. Disclosing too many details, they warn, could compromise future missions or endanger personnel.
Government Pledges Ongoing Public Engagement
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Nigerians that it will continue to engage international partners through formal diplomatic and security channels while keeping citizens informed through verified official statements.
It urged the public to rely on credible sources and avoid speculation, especially on sensitive national security matters.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges across multiple regions, the confirmation of a foreign-assisted air operation highlights both the severity of the terrorist threat and the increasingly collaborative nature of modern counter-terrorism efforts.
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